Civil Wedding In Italy
Today, as more couples of different faiths and religious beliefs plan their weddings, many are opting for civil ceremonies. The most romantic of these couples may dream of a wedding in Italy, but hesitate due to the perception that the Italian Catholic governing body would not permit a civil ceremony. However, Italy is the land of amore, and its citizens' belief in the beauty of love is often more fervent than their Catholicism. As such, the Italian government does allow civil wedding ceremonies to take place in Italy. Although you must abide by a few rules, rest assured, an Italian civil wedding ceremony can be quite beautiful.

The ceremony must be performed in the town hall, or a building that the government has specifically purchased for marriage ceremonies. While this may sound cold, keep in mind that these town halls, with their rich architectural history, are often more beautiful than the average wedding hall. Also, there are some unique and beautiful outdoor locations that are government owned, so your options include castles with sea and lake views, as well as Tuscan palazzes and terraces overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
You'll need to have two witnesses present in order to make the ceremony "legal." The town's mayor performs the service which is a mix of traditional vows as well as other articles pertaining to marriage. Feminists need not worry about any "honor and obey" text in the doctrine. It is also possible to personalize your ceremony, as long as the readings required by the Italian government are included. The ceremony takes between 15 and 25 minutes. Although it is performed in Italian, WeddingItaly will supply a translator. Your marriage certificate will be valid in all countries.
You should start planning for this ceremony at least six months in advance. There are some legal issues that will need attention, but WeddingItaly.com will assist you. Keep in mind that there are certain dates and holidays during which government buildings are closed. Rest assured, however, that the wedding planning assistance performed by WeddingItaly.com will be a great help in determining when to have your civil wedding ceremony in Italy. |